Remember, to squeeze the most learning from your effort, dive deep!

Use the five suggestions

printed on the inside back cover of your COL 101 On Course textbook.
Journal Entry 19
In this activity, you will explore assertiveness. This powerful way of being creates great results,
strengthens relationships, and builds self-esteem.
1. Write three different responses to the instructor described in the following situation. Respond
to the instructor by (1) placating, (2) blaming, and (3) leveling. For an example of this exercise,
refer to the dialogues on page 199.
Situation: you register for a course required in your major. It is the last course you need to
graduate. When you go to the first class meeting, the instructor tells you that your name is NOT
on the roster. The course is full, and no other sections of the course are being offered. Youve
been shut out of the class. The instructor tells you that youll have to postpone graduation and
return next semester to complete this required course.
Remember, in each of your three responses, you are writing what you would actually say to the
instructorfirst as a placatory, second as a blamer, and third as a leveler.
1. Placating: I truly apologize for disturbing your class. However, I would be really grateful
if you can please help me by taking me in, so that I can graduate on time.

2. Blaming: I was not told about the class being full when I registered for the course. It is
the admissions office responsibility to notify the student if a class is full. There is some
mistake on either your part or the admissions offices part, and hence my name is not on
the roster. Please clarify so that I do not suffer as a result of somebody elses mistakes.

3. Leveling: I do not mean to disturb your class, and understand that presently the class is
full. However, you must understand that I did successfully register for this class, and was
not made aware of the class being full. This can cost me an entire extra semester. I would
therefore, like to set up a meeting with you and the department head at the earliest to
resolve this issue.
2. Now, think about one of your most challenging academic goals. Decide who could help you
with his goal, write a letter to this person and request assistance. You can decide later if you
actually want to send the letter.

Here are some possibilities to include in your letter.

Tell the person your most challenging academic goal for this semester.
Explain how this goal is a steppingstone to your dream.
Describe your dream and explain its importance to you.
Identify your obstacle, explaining it fully.
Discuss how you believe this person can help you overcome your obstacle.
Admit any reluctance or fear you have about asking for assistance.
Request exactly what you would like this person to do for you and persuade him of her to give
you helpful assistance.
Remember, for effective requests, use the DAPPS rules.
Dear Mr. Smith:

This is (students name) here. I have been a student in your Algebra class in the past year. I am
now taking Algebra II and Trigonometry this academic year. I am not performing well in this
class. I am in my senior year and need a good grade in this class to get in to a good college and
pursue my dream of a successful career in Architecture. I am unable to comprehend the material
as presented by my current class teacher. I have never been poor with Math classes; however I
failed my recent exam in Algebra II and Trigonometry. It has really put me down, and my current
teachers method of teaching is not helping. I am very fond of your style of teaching and require
the kind of patience that you show with your students. Please provide me a couple of days per
week, when you can help me with my difficulties after school. I would truly appreciate your help
with bringing my grade up in Algebra II and Trigonometry.
Thank You,
Student NAME
4. Write what you have learned or relearned about being assertive. How assertive have you
been in the pursuit of your goals and dreams? How has this choice affected your selfesteem? What changes do you intend to make in communicating (placating, blaming,
leveling), making requests, and saying no? Be sure to dive deep!

This exercise reminded me that it is imperative to be assertive in order to achieve my goals. It

made me comfortable about asking for help when needed. I now understand that it is better to be
assertive about my needs and ask for help when needed without blaming anyone. It is in my
benefit to explore all the available resources and use them as required. I am aware that a little
extra help in Math can help me go a long way. I intend to communicate my needs to my teacher
and get help for myself.